What is a capacitor and its primary function?

A capacitor is a crucial electrical component that stores electrical energy temporarily. Its primary function is to hold and release electrical charge as needed in a circuit. This ability allows capacitors to smooth out variations in electrical supply, filter signals, and provide energy boosts for short durations when required. The stored energy can be released quickly, making capacitors essential in applications such as smoothing voltage fluctuations in power supply circuits and in various signal processing tasks.

Understanding capacitors is vital for electricians, as they are commonly used in electronic devices, lighting circuits, and motor startups, among other applications. This fundamental role in energy storage and discharge underpins the importance of capacitors in both residential and commercial electrical systems.